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Direct Relief USA in Santa Barbara packaged and sent out H1N1 protective supplies to 478 community clinics in 49 states yesterday. Eleven-year volunteer Gary Brusse labels boxes ready to be shipped out. Photo by Victor Maccharoli.

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Direct Relief sends supplies to healthcare clinics

By DAILY SOUND STAFF — Nov. 21, 2009

Much-needed medical supplies are heading to hundreds of clinics throughout the United States to assist with combating the H1N1 and seasonal influenza strains courtesy of Goleta-based Direct Relief USA.

The medical aid organization, which also responds to international disasters, shipped off roughly 500 packages containing thousands of bottles of hand sanitizer and bars of soap to a total of 478 safety-net clinics in 49 states. The donations are the initial phase of an ongoing series of distributions to aid healthcare clinics.

“These basic but important items help keep clinical staff healthy throughout the flu season, allowing clinics to use their limited resources on other priorities,” according to a Direct Relief news release. “The next shipments will be focused on supplies for patients presenting with cold and flue symptoms, and will include over-the-counter cough and cold medicines appropriate for patients with seasonal colds and flu.”

A recent survey conducted by Direct Relief found that 80 percent of clinics and health centers have less than a month’s worth of key protective equipment such as hand sanitizer, gowns, goggles and masks that protect staff from infection.

The nonprofit currently offers the largest amount of support for the nation’s safety-net health centers and clinics, which subsequently offer healthcare for free or at low costs to uninsured and low-income residents.

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Alcohol Free Hand Sanitizer : 11/23/2009

How come no one does the story about the new sanitizers on the market which are alcohol-free? There are new products that kill 3 times the germs, work up to 30 minutes, and they are safer to use than alcohol. This one is my favorite: http://www.cleanphirst.com/store/alcohol_free_foam_hand_sanitizer.asp

Michael Montague

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